Like everything related to interpersonal relationships, cheating is very complicated and its true nature is difficult to decipher. It happens more often than it should and in most cases, it is the ultimate relationship killer
1. Why do people cheat in sexual relationships?
The question is, why do people cheat? Anyone who has been cheated on is probably wondering the same thing. So we turned to science to find the answer to why people cheat in sexual relationships. Well, not us. That’s what the Journal of Sex Research did. They published a study in 2017 in which 495 people who had cheated or been unfaithful in a romantic sexual relationship answered questions about their reasons for cheating.
The analysis revealed that cheating is rarely a simple matter, and there are many different reasons for cheating. Nine, to be exact
- The End of Love
This is perhaps the most obvious factor that leads people to cheat. The exhilaration of falling in love is wonderful, but unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever. While there is stable and lasting love, in some cases, after the butterfly stage is over, you may realize that the love you once knew is no longer there.
It may be difficult to end a sexual relationship if it still brings a sense of family or stability. Therefore, continuing a sexual relationship without romantic love may lead to infidelity, driven by a desire to experience love again. - Attachment issues
Lack of commitment to a partner can lead to cheating. Suppose someone really likes someone but is still afraid to get involved. In this case, he may be unfaithful to avoid commitment, even though he wants to maintain a sexual relationship.
Not being interested in a long-term relationship or wanting to get out of a sexual relationship can also be reasons for infidelity.
4. Anger or Revenge
Although it wasn’t the most commonly cited reason, anger was the motivating factor for 43% of participants. In these cases, the affair is seen as a way to punish the partner, and revenge becomes the reason for the affair.
Anger-motivated infidelity can have a variety of underlying causes, including anger at a partner who is not present, anger or frustration after an argument, or frustration when a partner doesn’t understand you or your needs.
- Situational Factors
Many affairs are not intentional but occur only because of the ability to cheat when necessary. Nearly 70% of participants, most of whom were men, said that situational factors were the main reason for their affair.
Imagine the following scenario: You are going through a difficult phase in your current sexual relationship and also suffer from low self-esteem. One day, a coworker invites you to go out together. If only one or two factors are involved, it may not be cheating. However, a combination of motivating factors (disagreements with partner, low self-esteem, attention from peers) may make infidelity more likely.6. For variety
Boredom and attraction are two big reasons why people cheat. Infidelity can be a response to boredom or being attracted to different people, and it doesn’t necessarily end just because you’re in a sexual relationship.7. Sex drive
Another important factor for infidelity in sexual relationships is not having sex as often as desired or lacking desired sexual behavior. People who want sex look for ways to cheat for no other reason.
Even people who are in a sexually fulfilling relationship may want to have more sex with the other person, which can be a reason for infidelity. This may be a result of high sexual desire and has nothing to do with sexual problems in the relationship.8. How to Increase Self-Esteem
It may seem counterintuitive since infidelity usually has serious personal consequences, but for some unfaithful people, the act of having sex with a new partner can lead to positive feelings and boost their self-esteem and self-worth. But they may feel that their partner is supporting and encouraging them because they think it’s something they should be doing.
